Vaughan Williams, Plaid Llanelli Westminster Candidate said:
“I support the strike organised by the Unison Carmarthenshire branch against the attack on public sector workers.
The severe cuts in Local Government are another clear example of an austerity agenda focused on attacking workers rights and their living conditions. Many residents in communities across Llanelli depend upon vital public services locally on a daily basis, these services must be protected.
I believe action must be taken against unjust working practices such as Zero hour contracts which exploit workers rights and furthermore advocate low pay and job insecurity. Therefore, I was disappointed that the Labour Party recently voted with the Tories in the National Assembly to keep Zero hour contracts in the Health + Social services sector.
I support the efforts being made by Plaid Cymru’s opposition group of Councillors in Carmarthenshire who are supporting Unison’s campaign and urging the Labour-led County Council to implement a living wage.
Almost 3,000 jobs within Carmarthenshire Council are currently paid less than the living wage. I endorse a living wage because it would bring many families out of living below the poverty line and is a positive step in addressing the injustice of poor pay and unfair working conditions. It will help thousands of council staff from cleaners and catering assistants to schools lunchtime supervisors.
I am fully committed to working and standing alongside our local trade unions in ensuring that workers locally get a better and fairer deal for their contribution to society.”
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